1.  Understanding the Efficacy of Large-Scale Water Features for Surface Water Attenuation

Problem: Surface water flooding is a significant problem in Scotland. The Flood Risk Management Strategies published by SEPA in 2015 estimate that it is responsible for 23% of annual average flood damage and the risk of surface water flooding is likely to increase in the future as a result of climate change, the loss of green space in urban areas and the spread of impermeable surfaces; sewer flooding is also subject to the same pressures as above.

Ask: Project proposals are invited which will help us to better understand the science of large-scale attenuation features and their interaction with soils and other natural landscape features, existing water flows in rural and urban environments etc to underpin effective scale interventions and inform the development of appropriate planning policy.

2. Opportunities to Maximize Natural Capital Benefits from the Operation of Artificial Waterbodies

Problem: There are many artificial or modified waterbodies in Scotland that are operated for a range of public benefits, such as water supply, renewable energy generation, navigation etc. They can, and do, offer potential for further public benefits including nature conservation that contribute to the nation’s natural capital.   For example, in recent years several artificial waterbodies have been successfully used for both their primary purposes, but also now act as crucial refuge sites for nature conservation (e.g. the conservation of vendace or powan). Other modified waterbodies continue to present challenges to the management of local fish populations, such as the successful downstream migration of smolts.

Ask: Project proposals are invited to assess and address the question of how can the full range of public benefits be maximized while still maintaining the utility of our artificial waterbodies?  Proposals should take account of other relevant current HNSP Projects.

3. Source Management of Priority Substances / Priority Hazardous Substances

Problem: Studies carried out as part of the Chemical Investigations Programme show that Priority Substances and Priority Hazardous Substances as specified on EU watch lists exist in wastewater influent streams. These vary across the country and depend on upstream influences. It is generally accepted that treating for these substances at urban wastewater treatment plants is likely to be prohibitively expensive.

Ask: Project proposals are invited that explore and assess what methods there are or could be developed, for controlling discharges at source to minimize the level of priority substances reaching the sewer network. Proposals should include steps to explore the technical feasibility and scale of deployment required to deliver significant impact at a national scale.

4.  Resilience to Droughts and Water Shortages

Problem: Recent evidence indicates that climate extremes are not only becoming a reality in Scotland, but their severity and frequency is increasing. The summer of 2018 was a clear example; a summer drought particularly impacted the North and East of Scotland with record low flows observed in several Scottish rivers. 

Across the wider UK, droughts are predicted to become more severe and affect larger areas of the country in the coming years. Impacts include those on industry, public/private supply, agricultural production and biodiversity.

Ask: Project proposals are invited to improve our understanding of, and strategies to improve, Scotland’s resilience to droughts/water shortages through the lens of industry (both in respect of suppliers and users of water), decision making by land managers, and how best to address public concerns around continuity of supply. Proposals will be  expected to focus on socio-economic aspects of resilience but be based on a multi-disciplinary evaluation of impact. 

5.  Water-Wise Design

Problem:  Contemporary practice in the construction industry increasingly recognises the part that water efficiency plays in making construction more sustainable, and that planners and others in the sector should aim towards minimising otherwise potentially costly waste including of water resources. Statutory Requirements are set out in existing Building Regulations with guidance on non-mandatory actions and other aspects of buildings sustainability available in the Technical Handbook.  However, appropriate water supplies remain a growing concern given the need for water in the production process for many construction materials such as concrete and steel. Often, this water is taken from potable supplies, thereby contributing to increased carbon emissions, when raw water may be perfectly usable. More needs to be done to understand water usage and specification requirements in the construction phase to ensure this is a key consideration in the overall design of  construction projects. Factoring in the usage required within a building in its operation, as well as how to encourage people to be less wasteful of water through design, is also important. For example, some buildings can be constructed to catch and use rainwater, which may be more cost-effective in the long-run through savings related to energy use and overall water consumption. Proactive water-efficiency planning from the beginning of the design process can help identify areas of potential savings, allowing developers to bring forward the most site-appropriate solutions for usage, management and maintenance

Ask: Project proposals are invited that improve the construction sector’s understanding of how a sustainable water use frame of reference could influence the whole building design, construction and use process.  Project ideas are sought that consider the mechanisms and tools needed to encourage and support designers and architects to develop more truly water-efficient buildings that recognise circular economy principles and encourage more efficient resource use such as reduced (non-potable) water intense processes that can be built into modern design and/or potentially retrofitted to existing infrastructure to contribute to water wise society.  Other examples could include how to better integrate attenuation features and extend their use e.g. for irrigation or for aesthetic purposes, thereby enhancing developments. Understanding the needs of the users and involving wider community engagement in the design and use of social space using water environments in developments could also be considered. Project proposals should include consideration of the role development planning can play in providing Scotland with leading edge water efficient building infrastructure.

6.  Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry

Problem: Food and Drink is a hugely important sector to the Scottish economy and a significant user of water resources with single sites often using water from a variety of sources against which issues of access and security of supply in volumetric and water-quality terms often must be balanced against the interests of other users.  The need to minimise production costs while observing responsible resource management is adding to increased competitive pressures to which the industry needs to respond creatively. In addition, the impacts of climate change on water resources for the sector need to be considered.

Ask: Proposals are invited that explore opportunities to assist this key industry respond to the kinds of challenges outlined above and maximise the value from the water resources it uses, whether through improved water efficiency, value and resource recovery or the creative use of water resources in relation to production.